Featured A Melody in Bronze

This is "La Melodie," an allegorical figure in bronze by Albert Carriere Belleuse. The original is, apparently, in the Louvre. It was made in Paris in 1887, fresh on the heels of "Liberty Enlightening the World" being installed in New York's harbor. Rodin, of "The Thinker" fame, was Albert's assistant. Albert died a year or so after this was completed.

This sculpture is about 3 feet tall and weighs a cool 100 pounds with the marble base. So it's a bit of a chore to move; I think it's going to stay in this spot for awhile . I'm not sure that Albert lived to make any castings of this himself.

So why did I bring up "Liberty Enlightening the World?" Because not only did the completion and installation of the famous statue dominate the artistic world in 1886, but it necessarily cast a huge shadow over Parisian sculptors in particular. So here's a theory: I believe that this casting was made ca. 1910-20. Why? Because when "Liberty" was dedicated, it was a glowing sculptural behemoth of copper. It's hard for us to conceive of that, since she's been a beautiful shade of oxidized green for generations. My feeling is that "La Melodie's" garment was patinated in green because one of the world's best-known statues had turned green starting in about 1900.

This is conjecture on my part, but I've said crazier things. Anyway, I'm excited to have this in the house and wanted to share it with my antiquer homies. Antique purchases have been scarce so far this year, so this is doubly exciting!!

 

I'm on board...she's a delight !!! ( no pun intended...)

 

shes alive, with an amazing animated tip toeing quality

 

Gorgeous, hopper

 

She sounds like she's in a nice safe place, but unlike my usual "nice safe place" you'll be able to find her again before six months pass.

 

She's a beauty.

 

I'm a lyre if I don't say that's pretty.

 

That's the breast comment so far !!

 

Good thing she's on tip-toe, because its getting deep in here...

 

I tried to stay above the usual commentary; there are enough boobs bobbing around in here as it is.

 

I wish I could come up with some witty comment, i will just go with she is lovely.

 

Beautiful sculpture!

 

So hey @Ghopper1924-- at 100 pounds, did you find this locally or was there an insane shipment involved... and if so, did it go smoothly?

 

She's beautiful. Very dynamic and the fabric is handled so well.

 

@Potteryplease
Yes, I did find it locally. Actually, it’s from an estate in St. Louis, but it was transported by car. Wrestling it from the place of purchase to its present location was a bit of a chore….

 

I bet it was. Well, it looks great. Congrats!